Hemlock House by Alexander Jermyn Architecture

Reinterpreting Alpine Living in the Sierra Nevada

Hemlock House, designed by Alexander Jermyn Architecture, is a 3,200-square-foot residence located in Soda Springs, California, on the edge of a serene Sierra Nevada lake. This striking contemporary home reimagines the alpine house typology with a bold material strategy that addresses the region’s harsh climate conditions—heavy winter snowfalls and the persistent risk of summer wildfires.

Architectural Concept & Material Strategy

The design team embraced resilience by installing material mockups throughout an entire winter season to test durability under extreme snow loads and fluctuating weather. The result is a two-part structure:

• Upper Volume: Charred wood cladding (shou sugi ban) that creates a protective, fire-resistant shell and visually contrasts with the snow-covered landscape.
• Lower Base: Exposed concrete walls engineered to withstand snow pressure, functioning like the hull of a ship against natural forces.

This balance of robustness and elegance allows Hemlock House to stand as both a shelter and a sculptural statement within its alpine setting.

Indoor-Outdoor Connection

The lakeside façade opens with expansive sliding glass doors, blurring boundaries between interior living and the surrounding forested environment. Natural light floods the interiors, with whitewashed walls and bleached hemlock surfaces amplifying brightness while reflecting the serene lakeside views.

Interior Design & Spatial Organization

The layout emphasizes light, community, and flexibility:

• Second Floor: Main living and dining areas maximize panoramic lake views, complemented by built-in benches that create intimate gathering spaces.
• Kitchen & Mezzanine: A double-height space topped by a floating mezzanine, designed as an artist’s studio.
• Ground Floor: Functional spaces including a garage, ski-tuning station, laundry, guest rooms, and a media room that doubles as overflow accommodation.
• Bunk Room: Sleeps 4–8, equipped with full-size bunks and powered cubbies to support both leisure and remote work.

This design ensures both communal gathering spaces and private retreats, adaptable for family life and hosting guests.

Construction & Collaboration

Built during the pandemic, Hemlock House became a collaborative journey between architect and owner, who traveled long hours together for site visits. This process fostered shared vision, adaptability, and creativity, resulting in a home deeply attuned to both its environment and its inhabitants’ needs.

All Photographs are works of Jeremy Bitterman